10th January, 2008: The Gyalwang Karmapa visited Alice Project Universal Education School (www.aliceproject.info) situated close to the Vajra Vidya Institute Saranath, where His Holiness is currently residing. The founder and director of the school, Mr. Valentino Giacomin, requested His Holiness to consecrate the New Tara Temple and ten Juniper seeds from Nenang Monastery, Tibet.

The Gyalwang Karmapa’s Address to Students at the Alice Project Universal Education School

“This is my third visit to this school, and I am very happy to be welcomed by all of you students and teachers. I am very happy that you have built this temple where people of all different religions can come and pray to their own god. I am someone who practices Dharma, and I think that it is extremely fortunate to have such a good fortune.

5th January, 2008: Vajra Vidya Institute monks have been performing the Thrangu Tse-drup Puja (Thrangu Style of Long Life puja which was formed during the 14th Karmapa’s period) for the Gyalwang Karmapa from 3rd of January. On the last day of the Thrangu Tsedup Puja the Kyabje Khenchen Yongzin Thrangu Rinpoche offered the Ten-shug (Long Life) Mandala to the Gyalwang Karmapa. The ceremony took place in the main shrine hall of VVI which was filled with numerous international devotees and many Tibetans, mutually praying for Long Life of the Gyalwang Karmapa, for the benefit of all sentient beings. Later, Lama Dawa of Hong Kong Thrangu Dharma Center cordially invited the Gyalwang Karmapa for lunch at the Hotel Ramada in Varanasi. The entourage of His Holiness and the staff of VVI were also present at the lunch.

5th January, 2008. Vajra Vidya Institute monks have been performing the Thrangu Tse-drup Puja (Thrangu Style of Long Life puja which was developed during the time of the 14th Karmapa) for the Gyalwang Karmapa from 3-5 January. On the last day of the Thrangu Tsedup Puja, the Kyabje Khenchen Yongzin Thrangu Rinpoche offered the Ten-shug (Long Life) Mandala to the Gyalwang Karmapa. The ceremony took place in the main shrine hall of VVI which was filled with numerous international devotees and many Tibetans, mutually praying for Long Life of the Gyalwang Karmapa, for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Ven. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche makes an offering to His Holiness at Vajra Vidhya in Sarnath on January 5, 2008

Bodhgaya to Varanasi, 31st December 2007

Gyalwang Karmapa left Bodhgaya early morning by road and arrived Vajra Vidhya Institute at around 1 pm which is in Saranath, Varanasi (U.P). At the arrival His Holiness was welcomed by Khenchen Yongzin Thrangu Rinpoche and all the monks with serbang. The VVI monks are performing the Tsedup (Long Life) puja for His Holiness. Here His Holiness will stay for 15 days as scheduled. Read the rest of this article

Transcript: An Explanation of the Kagyu Monlam logo by the Gyalwang Karmapa December 29, 2007

On December 29, 2007, His Holiness talked movingly about protecting the environment in a speech in Bodhgaya:

“There is a new logo for the Monlam this year, and I would like to explain it.

“Throughout my life I have always felt that the outer natural elements and my own mind are close. I have a special connection with the four elements. I am not being superstitious and saying I can talk to the elements, but sometimes it feels that way.

A new logo of the Kagyu Monlam designed by His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

“Ever since the human race first appeared on this earth, we have used this earth heavily. It is said that ninety-nine percent of the resources and so on in this world come from the natural environment. We are using the earth until she is used up. The earth has given us immeasurable benefit, but what have we done for the earth in return? We always Read the rest of this article

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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